Creation of State Park: The Saving of Silver Springs

Saturday

Feb 2, 2013 at 1:52 AM

More often than not these days we hear about what's wrong with government. On Jan. 23, however, Ocala, Marion County and the state showed how governments big and small — working together — can put things right.

More often than not these days we hear about what's wrong with government. On Jan. 23, however, Ocala, Marion County and the state showed how governments big and small — working together — can put things right.

In this case, Silver Springs, an important natural feature of North Central Florida — long known as a tourist attraction — will be protected as a state park for generations of Floridians and visitors to come.

The process resembled that in which the state became involved to help save Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven from conversion into a housing development. The details differ from those of Silver Springs, but Cypress Gardens' life as Florida's first commercial theme park was extended.

Although the theme park expired in the end, its saving made possible Legoland Florida, which was built on the site of Cypress Gardens. The new theme park retains the core of the gardens. Many reminders remain of the old park within the attraction, which is popular, bustling and expanding.

FEEL FOR THE FUTURE

In Ocala, the Florida Cabinet unanimously approved a $4 million lease-buyout deal with Palace Entertainment that will lead to the state Division of Recreation and Parks taking over Silver Springs so it can be turned into a state park.

Second, the 50-year lease between the Florida Horse Park and the state for the 500 acres of Cross-Florida Greenway land upon which the park is located was extended to 2072. The extension will allow for more favorable long-term financing for development of the Horse Park into not just a world-class equine event facility, but, if all goes well, an equine- and eco-tourism destination.

None of this could be happening without cooperation between state and local government, along with motivated residents. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the key partner of Ocala and Marion County in both the Silver Springs and Horse Park initiatives. Without it, neither would have any chance of coming to fruition.

Granted, neither the Horse Park nor Silver Springs visions were easy sells to the state. It took years of lobbying and applying community pressure to get the land donated for the Horse Park. Also, it took years to get the DEP on board with the idea that Silver Springs, Ocala and Marion County would be better served if the iconic springs were in public hands.

Nonetheless, once both cases were effectively made, and once DEP was engaged and committed as a full partner, good things happened — and they continue to happen.

The Cabinet and DEP deserve credit for seeing wisdom in community visions for Silver Springs and the Horse Park, as do local officials and residents who have pursued these dreams with passion and persistence. The government of the people can indeed work for the people.